From latest test in QatarChris Vermeulen and Loris Capirossi have completed the second test of 2009 in positive spirits following another successful outing, this time during the official MotoGP night-time test in Qatar.

Vermeulen led the way for the Suzuki team

with the fourth fastest time overall, with a quickest of 1'57.224 from his 70 Tuesday evening laps of the 5,380m Losail International Circuit.

Despite a crash on day two of the three day test – in which the Australian star was uninjured - Vermeulen consistently improved on his lap times as he evaluated numerous parts settings on his 2009 Suzuki GSV-R.

“It has been quite a tough test with the difficult conditions we have encountered. We've had rain, wind and even a sandstorm. Day two started off well, but I lost a bit of track time when I slipped off”, he commented. “Today was the first time that we were able to do a long run and we found some issues that we were able to change so that was good. I'm quite happy with the test and the progress we have made so far this year; I am now looking forward to going to Jerez for the last test and then getting back here to start racing next month.”

Capirossi was marginally behind his team-mate on the timesheets as he recorded a fastest time of 1'57.253 during his 42 laps on the final evening, to give him sixth position overall. Capirossi suffered two heavy crashes on this final night of testing but the tough Italian was able to escape uninjured.

“I am quite happy with the test because the bike is much better than last year and we are a lot more competitive”, said the Italian. “We still have a couple of days more to test and I am sure that by the time we get back here to Qatar we will be right on the pace. I had a couple of crashes today, but I am ok and still very strong. I think things are looking good at the moment and I am really pleased with the first two tests of 2009 and the improvement of the GSV-R by the factory.”

Vermeulen and Capirossi will be hoping to continue with their good run of form during the final pre-season test – at Jerez in Spain – later this month. The pair will then return to Qatar for the first MotoGP race of the season on Sunday 12th April - the one-and-only night race of the year.